Senate Moves to Strip Uhuru Kenyatta of Benefits Amid Rising Political Friction

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has officially moved a motion in the Senate to withdraw or reduce the retirement benefits of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Filed on May 4, 2024, the motion argues that Kenyatta’s continued involvement in partisan politics violates the law governing retired state officials.

Under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, a retired president must exit active party leadership within six months of leaving office to qualify for state perks. Cherargei contends that Kenyatta, who remains the Jubilee Party leader, is in direct breach of these non-partisan requirements.

“The law is clear that a retired president should not actively participate in any political party activities,” Cherargei stated. “He cannot have his cake and eat it. We will withdraw his security and retirement benefits because he cannot use government money to attack the government.”

The Nandi legislator has further proposed a comprehensive audit by the Office of the Auditor-General into all public resources allocated to Kenyatta since 2022. He demands that the findings be presented to Parliament within 60 days, with any recovered funds redirected to public welfare projects.

Jubilee Party leaders, including Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, have dismissed the motion as a political vendetta. They insist that the former president has a constitutional right to freedom of speech and political association that cannot be restricted by his retirement status.

“Attempting to use his pension as a tool for blackmail is a dangerous precedent that undermines the dignity of the presidency,” Kioni argued. He maintained that Kenyatta’s role in the party is essential for its stability and legal standing.Legal experts remain divided on whether “active politics” excludes high-level party management or public endorsements. While the Act specifies that a retired president should be available for national advisory roles, Kenyatta’s recent public remarks have fueled the debate over his eligibility for taxpayer-funded perks.

Senate is expected to debate the motion this week, a move that observers say could further polarize the country’s political landscape. If passed, the resolution would significantly alter the financial and security arrangements currently afforded to the former Head of State.